Podcast highlights beauty of Northern Ireland

IN the latest episode of Discover Northern Ireland’s new podcast, Postcards from Northern Ireland, Bored of Lunch’s Nathan Anthony relives his nostalgic holiday memories and reveals the local hot-spots and eateries he can’t wait to explore.

In the six-part series, presented by broadcaster Ralph McLean, local famous faces reminisce on how our giant spirit, people and place have shaped their happiest travel memories and instilled a passion for local adventure.

The new episode features Nathan Anthony, who rose to fame on social media during lockdown when he launched Bored of Lunch. Since then, he has written a series of cookbooks which have sold over one million copies, inspiring a global audience to discover the power of simple ingredients and make mealtimes enjoyable again.

During the podcast, Nathan, who grew up in Portadown, reflects on how Northern Ireland’s landscape and our world class produce has shaped his life.

He said: “When I have people over from London or further afield, they always say that the food is just incredible. The food scene in Northern Ireland is on a par with huge cities. We really are on the world stage for food and hospitality.”

Nathan reminisces about trips to Portrush and eating fish and chips on the beach, as well as visiting the Marble Arch Caves in County Fermanagh.

Reflecting on family getaways from his childhood, he added: “We loved to travel around. Mum and Dad used to do as many holidays at home as they could and take us away for weekends here, usually somewhere by the sea.

“We are so blessed with being able to go out the door and having such beautiful scenery on our doorstep.”

For anyone seeking a real taste of Northern Ireland, Nathan gives a nod to Carnbrooke in Lisburn and St George’s Market in Belfast, while Noble in Holywood and James St in Belfast are named amongst his go-to eateries.

“The seafood we have here is just incredible. Going to St George’s Market and getting some of the amazing seafood they have on offer… I could walk around there all day,” added Nathan.

Painting a picture of his ideal short break in Northern Ireland, Nathan reveals he would love to visit the Warrenpoint and Rostrevor area to explore Kodak Corner, and stay in the Whistledown Hotel. He would also make his way to the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail – often known as the Stairway to Heaven – in County Fermanagh, stay in Finn Lough Bubble Domes, and visit Edo in Belfast to enjoy their array of small plates.

Nathan shared his fondness for his home turf, “Portadown is beautiful. There is just so much in that part of the world, lovely outdoors and loads of walks. You have the Cathedrals in Armagh which are really historic, and there is Gosford Forest Park which is perfect for taking the dog for a walk, and of course lots of beautiful orchards, it is the orchard county!”

The Bored of Lunch star is a big fan of pizza, with Orto, Flout and Charlie’s Pizza topping his list, “they are up there with some of the best pizzas I have had in the world, the food scene here is just unbelievable.”

The podcast invites audiences to fall in love all over again with our favourite local destinations but also explore new places that may be off the beaten track.

Episode two of ‘Postcards from Northern Ireland’ launched on Thursday, February 26 on Discover Northern Ireland’s YouTube and Spotify, where you can also catch the first episode from Colin Davidson too.

To take a trip down memory lane, or explore what’s new in Northern Ireland, book your next giant adventure at Discovernorthernireland.com